Instructions to keep your restorations in perfect condition. Applies to both anterior (front) and posterior (molar) fillings.

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling (also called composite or aesthetic restoration) is a material used to restore teeth damaged by cavities, fractures, or wear. It bonds to the tooth and hardens with UV light, offering an aesthetic result as it mimics the natural tooth color.

⏱️ With proper care, a filling can last between 5 and 10 years.

Types of Dental Fillings

Anterior Fillings

Front teeth (incisors and canines)

✨ Aesthetic priority

Greater visual exposure
Important to avoid stains
Careful with pigmenting foods

Posterior Fillings

Molars (premolars and molars)

💪 Functional priority

Greater chewing force
Avoid very hard foods
Careful when biting objects

First Hours Post Treatment

Immediate instructions after your appointment

Wait for anesthesia to wear off · 1-2 hours: Don’t eat until you regain full sensation (1-2 hours). You could bite your tongue, lips, or cheeks without noticing.
Start with soft foods · 24 hours: The filling hardens immediately, but it’s better to avoid hard foods for the first 24 hours.
Avoid staining foods · 48 hours: During the first 48 hours, the filling can absorb pigments. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and dark foods.
Normal sensitivity · 1-3 days: It’s normal to feel sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweets for 1-3 days, especially if the cavity was deep.

Post Filling Diet

Safe Foods

You can eat without problem

Scrambled or boiled eggs
Warm soups and broths
Mashed potatoes or vegetables
Soft pasta
Soft bread
Plain yogurt
Banana and soft fruits
Rice
Shredded chicken
Soft fish

Avoid First 24-48 Hours

Can damage or stain the filling

Very hard foods (nuts, ice, hard candy)
Sticky foods (caramel, gum)
Crunchy foods (hard toast, granola)
Very hot or very cold foods
Acidic foods (lemon, vinegar)

Staining Foods and Drinks

Especially avoid for the first 48 hours

Golden Rule: If it stains a white shirt, it can stain your filling.

Drinks

Coffee
Black/green tea
Red wine
Cola sodas
Dark juices (grape, cranberry)

Foods

Tomato sauce/ketchup
Curry and turmeric
Berries and blueberries
Beets
Soy sauce

Others

Tobacco (worst enemy)
Colored mouthwash
Candies with dyes

💡 If you consume these foods after 48 hours, brush your teeth within the next 15-30 minutes.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO

Brush normally with soft bristle brush
Use dental floss daily
Use fluoride toothpaste
Attend cleanings every 6 months
Report if bite feels “high”
Use night guard if you have bruxism
Brush after consuming pigments

DON’T

Bite hard objects (pencils, nails, ice)
Use teeth to open things
Smoke or use tobacco
Consume excess acidic foods
Ignore prolonged sensitivity
Use abrasive or whitening toothpastes
Grind teeth without protection

Oral Hygiene with Fillings

Hygiene is key for durability

Brushing: 3 times a day with soft bristle brush. Don’t be afraid to touch the filling.
Dental Floss: Daily to remove debris between teeth and prevent secondary cavities.
Mouthwash: Optional, preferably alcohol-free and without strong dyes.
Professional Cleanings: Every 6 months to polish fillings and keep them shiny.

What’s Normal After Treatment?

Symptom	Duration	Status
Cold/heat sensitivity	1-3 days	Normal
Sweet sensitivity	1-2 days	Normal
Mild discomfort when chewing	24-48 hours	Normal
”Different tooth” sensation	1-2 days	Normal
Intense, constant pain	—	Contact Clinic
Bite that feels high	—	Contact Clinic
Worsening sensitivity	—	Contact Clinic
Loose or detached filling	—	Contact Clinic

Do You Grind Your Teeth? (Bruxism)

Bruxism can damage fillings prematurely. If you clench or grind your teeth, especially while sleeping:

Inform your dentist about this habit
Use an occlusal/night guard
The guard protects both fillings and natural teeth
Check your fillings more frequently

Without protection, bruxism can fracture or dislodge fillings.

How Long Does a Filling Last?

5 - 10 years

With proper care

Factors affecting duration:

Increase duration

Good oral hygiene
Avoid very hard foods
Don’t smoke
Regular professional cleanings
Use guard if bruxism

Reduce duration

Poor hygiene
Biting hard objects
Tobacco
Excessive pigment consumption
Unprotected bruxism

💡 An annual polish can extend the life and shine of your fillings.

Fillings and Teeth Whitening

Important Note

Fillings do NOT change color with teeth whitening. If you plan to whiten your teeth:

Whiten BEFORE placing new fillings
Existing fillings may need replacement to match new shade
Consult your dentist before any whitening treatment

Tips for Longer Duration

Brush with fluoride, non-abrasive paste
Limit coffee, tea, and red wine
Avoid tobacco completely
Professional cleaning every 6 months
Use night guard if you grind
Never bite hard objects

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat immediately after? The filling hardens instantly with UV light, but wait for anesthesia to wear off (1-2 hours) to avoid biting yourself. Prefer soft foods for the first 24 hours.
Why does my bite feel different? The filling might be “high” (more elevated than other teeth). This is easy to adjust. Contact the clinic for a quick polish.
Can the filling come off? It’s rare if placed correctly, but it can happen if you bite something very hard or have bruxism. If it falls off, save it and contact the clinic.
Can I use at-home whitener? Yes, but the filling won’t change color. If you notice shade differences, ask about replacing the filling to match.

Contact the Clinic If:

The bite feels high or uncomfortable
There’s intense pain that doesn’t subside
Sensitivity worsens instead of improving
The filling cracked, chipped, or came off
You notice inflammation or bad taste

Care After a Dental Filling